With critically-acclaimed performances in films such as "Gulaal", "Shaurya" and "Haider", Kay Kay Menon established himself as one of the most versatile contemporary performers, but the actor says praise doesn't take anyone a long way in the film industry.
After working for close to three decades in Bollywood, Menon said he has understood that movie business doesn't function on merit.
"I've learnt how to deal with the industry, where merit isn't the sacrosanct. You have to understand this is how it is and get on with your work... I'd prefer that people put their money where the mouth is while praising me.
"I often say don't praise me anymore because I've got so many pats on the back that I've ended up with a backache and nothing else," Menon told PTI in an interview.
The actor said social media has played a catalyst in making his work stay relevant.
"It has pulled up my past work. The young guys have messaged me saying 'Mr Menon you have great potential.' I have somewhere managed to fulfil that aspect of my life, that my art should outlive me."
"I used to get angry, impatient in my earlier days. I used to be hostile, sarcastic but over a period of time you realise this is the path you've chosen. If my personal marketing was a path, it would've been a different thing."
"Some people like to lead life the other way and that's ok too. Each to his own. My work should speak about me more than anything else."